Skip to Main Content
Holy Silence

Trailer

Take a fresh look at a topic that has sparked controversy for decades.

Aired 11/02/2020

Holy Silence

Trailer

Preview: Episode 1 | 30sVideo has Closed Captions

Take a fresh look at a topic that has sparked controversy for decades.

Take a fresh look at a topic that has sparked controversy for decades. During the years leading up to WWII, what was the Vatican's reaction to the rise of Adolf Hitler and Nazi Germany? After the war began, how did the pope respond to the horrors of the Holocaust? In telling that story, "Holy Silence" focuses on American officials who worked behind the scenes to influence the Vatican's actions.

Aired 11/02/2020

An Assignment from the Pope

Video has Closed Captions

In 1938, John LaFarge drafted a papal encyclical that would denounce anti-Semitism. (2m 4s)

Catholics in America

Video has Closed Captions

Franklin D. Roosevelt recognized the political benefits of winning over Catholic voters. (2m 14s)

Evidence of the Holocaust

Video has Closed Captions

Pope Pius XII continued his position of silence as news emerged of mass murder of Jews. (2m 2s)

Hitler Comes to Power

Video has Closed Captions

The Vatican negotiated a treaty with Nazi Germany aimed at protecting the Catholic Church. (2m 17s)

Roosevelt's Envoy to the Vatican

Video has Closed Captions

Myron Taylor visits the Vatican to persuade Pope Pius XII to speak against Nazi Germany. (1m 53s)

Providing Support for PBS.org

Learn Moreabout PBS online sponsorship
Sign in with Email

or

Continue with GoogleContinue with FacebookContinue with Apple

By creating an account, you acknowledge that PBS may share your information with our member stations and our respective service providers, and that you have read and understand the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.

Are you sure you want to remove null from My List?